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CICS OM 18-026
Updated: Dec 10, 2020
December 13, 2018
T O : All Member/Participant Banks
R E : UPDATED CICS OPERATING GUIDELINES
1. In view of revisions on Sections 2, 12, 16, 18 and 19 of the CICS Rules and Regulations that were published in CICS Operating Memo No. 18-024, we are updating the Operating Guidelines for the Check Image Clearing System (CICS), to wit:
Sec. 1 – INTRODUCTION
This document describes the operating guidelines primarily for the use of all
Member/Participant Banks’ personnel who are responsible for the preparation and
submission/transmission of all outward check transactions to the CICS as well as the
processing of inward clearing items. Similarly, this document also covers the preparation and
submission/transmission of outward returns to the CICS and processing of incoming return
transactions.
1.1. Coverage
CICS’ nationwide implementation covers the Greater Manila Area, all cities, provinces formerly
defined under the Integrated and Regional Local Exchange (RLX) Clearing Centers.
The Member/Participant Banks/branches located in these areas will truncate checks deposited
with them or issued in their favor that need to be cleared in accordance with the provisions of
Sec. 3 of these Operating Guidelines.
1.2. Clearing Session
CICS supports different categories of clearing transactions. These clearing transactions will
have separate clearing windows and are basically of the following types:
1.2.1. Regular Presentment or Forward Window - for the submission/transmission by the
Presenting Bank of its demand to the Drawee Bank for payment of a Regular Clearing
Item (RCI), i.e., Check deposited with or issued to the Presenting Bank to be cleared
by presentation of its electronic image and data via the CICS;
On any clearing day, cut-off time for the Regular Presentment Session is at 4:30 PM of
that day. All RCIs received by the CICS within the cut-off time of a clearing day will be
included in the settlement for the day. RCIs received by the CICS after this cut-off
time will automatically be included
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in the Regular Presentment Session of the Next Clearing Day (i.e. the clearing day
immediately following Day 11).
Special clearing of RCIs that do not meet the 4:30 PM netting cut-off (i.e. direct
physical presentation of clearing items to the Drawee Bank) is unnecessary (and not
allowed) as such items will automatically be included in the Regular Presentment
Session of the Next Clearing Day.
1.2.2. Returns Presentment or Returns Window - for the transmission by the Drawee Bank
to the Presenting Bank via the CICS of an RCI that is dishonored or unpaid.
Returns Presentment Session is the period immediately after the 4:30 PM cut-off of a
Regular Presentment Session and will end at the prescribed Returns Presentment
Cut-off Time2 which is also known as the “AM Return Cut-off of 8:00 AM of the Next
Clearing Day.” Any RCI received by the Drawee Bank within the Regular Presentment
window however, may be returned by it prior to the day’s 4:30 PM cut-off time. Though
it will have zero effect on the Netting Results, such item will form part of the Session’s
transactions and will be included in the usual processing reports.
For the Presenting Bank, a returned RCI will appear on the list of Regular Outward
Items as well as on the list of Return Inward Items. Consequently, the same item will be
included in the list of Regular Inward Items of the Drawee Bank as well as on the list of
Return Outward Items. All return transactions received by the CICS on or before the
prescribed Returns Presentment Cut-off time (or the AM Return Cut-off of 8:00 AM of
the Next Clearing Day) will be value-dated Day 1.
The PBM will reject Return Items that do not meet the Returns Presentment Cut-off
Time (or the AM Return Cut-off of 8:00 AM of the Next Clearing Day) and as such, the
Drawee Bank may opt to present them directly (special clearing) to the Presenting
Bank Central Clearing Unit on or before the prescribed Special Clearing Delivery Cut-
off of same day pursuant to Section 20 of the CICS RR.
Settlement of Special Clearing of Returns shall be thru Clearing Receipt. Details such as
Presenting Bank/Branch Name, BRSTN, check number, amount of the Check/Item to be
returned and the reason for dishonor must be clearly indicated or written on the
Clearing Receipt to serve as reference. The Clearing Receipt should be accompanied by
Special Return Check Advice (SRCA) with the images of the item to be returned and a
covering letter to document the manual exchange.
1.2.3. Express Presentment - for the submission/transmission by the Presenting Bank of its
demand to the Drawee Bank for immediate payment of an RCI.
________________________________
1 – Day 1 is the date of processing of a Regular Clearing Item (RCI) by the Drawee Bank via CICS for settlement or netting purposes for the day; it is the first day of a regular clearing cycle.
2 – Returns Presentment Cut-off Time is the deadline set by the BSP and implemented by PCHC for the banks to transmit dishonored items via CICS. As provided in Annex A of BSP Circular No. 986 (Series of 2017) effective 15 calendar days after publication (i.e. on January 10, 2018 in the Philippine Star), the Returns Presentment Cut-off Time is 8:00 AM of the Next Clearing Day (with reference to Day 1)
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Initial implementation of CICS however, will be for local currency only and will not yet
include express clearing.
Sec. 2 - CLEARING REQUISITES UNDER IMAGING AND TRUNCATION
2.1. Sending Bank/Receiving Point
A Member/Participant Bank may have multiple points of capture but will only have one main
single point of connection to the CICS, which will be termed as “sending/receiving point.”
Member/Participant Banks may opt to have additional sending points (but not additional
receiving points) by allowing one or any of its branches to have additional PBM. Additional
PBM will enable the Head Office to have back-up server that can be used simultaneously with
the primary PBM and transmit directly to the CICS or a branch in a certain location to act as the
lead branch where all the transactions of the other branches are transmitted to the Head Office
or directly to PCHC.
2.2. Digital Signatures
Security of data and image is a primary consideration in CICS operation. The implementation
of the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) shall ensure data authenticity, integrity and non-
repudiation. The PBM of the Presenting Bank will encrypt every Image Cash Letter (ICL) File and
affix digital signature on it before its transmission to the CICS. The image and data must be
secured using the PKI throughout the entire transmission cycle between the Presenting Bank,
PCHC and the Drawee Bank.
All images of clearing items shall include a hash using the SHA256 algorithm and this must be
included in the ICL File. The purpose of this hash is for the Drawee Bank to validate whether the
Images received are not altered. It is the responsibility of the Presenting and Drawee Banks to
ensure that the movement of electronic files from their host capturing systems to the PBM is
secured. Access to the bank’s PBM must be limited to authorized personnel only.
2.3. Management of Digital Certificates
PCHC shall be the entity to manage the issuance, revocation, and maintenance of the digital
certificates that will be installed in all the Member/Participant Banks’ PBM servers. All PBMs
must be installed with a Hardware Security Module (HSM) component and corresponding
digital certificates that will be used for the digital signing and encryption of the ICL Files.
The validity of the digital certificates was set to five (5) years and it will be up to the participant
bank to coordinate with PCHC for the renewal of these certificates at any time.
2.4. Use of Secure Network
All the generated ICL Files duly validated, encrypted & digitally signed, will travel over a secure
communication link between the connecting Member/Participant
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Bank to the CICS. All acknowledgement messages will be transmitted via the same link. Banks
may connect to the CICS via the Internet IP/VPN or leased line.
2.5. Settlement
Transactions settlement in every clearing Session shall be made based on the electronic Check
data.
2.6. Storage/Archive and Retrieval
Original paid Checks (captured items) must be stored for 180 days from the date of their
payment (“Payment Date”) through the CICS.
PCHC will archive the images and data in its original ICL form. These electronic records will be
made available online to the Member/Participant Banks for twelve (12) months from their
respective Payment Dates. Only authorized personnel of Member/Participant Banks will have
access to the PCHC storage and archiving system.
Images and data archived by PCHC beyond the said 12-month period will be stored in hard
disks and other storage media for future reference. PCHC shall keep Archived images and data
for a period of ten (10) years from Payment Date. Request for retrieval/copies of these archived
records must be duly signed by authorized bank officer.
2.7. Scanning Standard
Scanning of the item transactions must conform to the prescribed image standards:
2.7.1. Front and Rear CCITT G4 Format (200 DPI)
2.7.2. Front Image JPEG Format (100DPI)
2.7.3. Front UV Image (Inverted CCITT G4 Format 200 DPI)
High-value items (500,000.00 and above) will be transmitted to PCHC with corresponding UV
Image. If dishonored with service charge however, the resulting reduction in the amount
(below 500,000.00) will no longer require sending of the UV Image.
Member/Participant Banks must ensure that their equipment meets the requirements of the
Image Quality Assurance (IQA) standards. The 1st level IQA should be at the point of capture
for immediate detection of exceptions. The PBM shall perform 2nd level IQA tests to validate all
captured images transmitted by the banks.
Sec. 3 – PREPARATION OF OUTWARD CLEARING ITEMS
3.1. Presenting Bank’s Due Diligence Requirements
Clearing and settlement will be done based on image and electronic payment information.
Hence, it is the responsibility of the Presenting Bank to ensure that captured images of the
Checks meet the Image Usability Requirement. This is necessary for the Drawee Bank to
exercise ‘Pay’ and ‘No Pay’ decision. Likewise,
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it may help the Drawee Bank to detect any fraud, forgery or tampering apparent on the face of
the instrument that can be verified with due diligence and ordinary care.
Member/Participant Banks must enforce strict KYC (Know Your Customer) standards and
procedures in order to protect the integrity of the image-based Check clearing system. The
banks should observe all precautions. e.g. to check the minimum security standards set in the
Check paper, apparent tenor of the instrument, physical feel of the instrument, any tampering
visible to the naked eye with reasonable care, etc. For enhanced attention, based on
exceptions, the banks may employ suitable risk management techniques like scrutiny of high
value transactions; limit-based checking by officials, new accounts alerts, etc. The Presenting
Bank takes full responsibility for collecting on behalf of the intended payee and exercises due
diligence in accordance with the conditions set forth in the CICS Rules and Regulations (CICS
RR) and accompanying guidelines.
3.2. Physical Check/ Instrument Capture
Image and MICR code line of a Physical Check/Instrument when captured by scanners/devices
must meet the Image Usability Requirement.
3.3. Unique Identification Code (UIC)
UIC must be generated and printed at the back of the Check/ instrument or electronically
imposed on the dorsal image of the Check.
UIC information will be included in the ICL File that will be transmitted by the Presenting Bank
to the CICS.
3.4. Data Entry
The Front-end solution of the Presenting Bank shall have the capability of amount data entry
and correction/completion of MICR details misreads. All items with corrected MICR details
must be properly tagged in the ICL File by the Front-end solution to alert the Drawee Bank of
the corrections effected manually during capture on the MICR details.
3.5. Re-clearing of Checks
Any Check that is eligible for re-deposit can be re-cleared once with the original Presenting
Bank under the same depository account. The Front-end solution of the Presenting Bank
should be able to likewise tag this item in the ICL File for the information of the Drawee Bank.
3.6. BRSTN Register Updating
The BRSTN master table shall be automatically updated by PCHC in the Bank’s PBM.
Member/Participant Banks shall update its Front-end/capture system accordingly.
3.7. Preparation and Submission of Outward Transactions
The Presenting Bank shall ensure that:
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3.7.1. The Checks are compliant with the minimum security standards prescribed under the
amended Check Design Standards and Specifications as well as other internal/security
controls prior to acceptance.
3.7.2. The account number of the depositor/payee is legibly written on the portion below
the depositor’s signature/payee’s endorsement on the dorsal portion of the Check.
3.7.3. The said account number is correct and tallies with the depository account number.
3.7.4. The account number is not obscured by any markings/stamp affixed on the Check’s
dorsal side.
3.7.5. The UIC appears on the dorsal side of the Check or electronically imposed on the
dorsal images of the check
3.7.6. If a returned Check is sent for re-clearing, a 2nd presentment stamp shall be affixed
by the Presenting Bank on the dorsal portion of the physical Check
3.7.7. Outgoing items to be captured should be classified and batched accordingly, to wit:
3.7.7.1. Regular CICS items
3.7.7.2. Checks payable to the BIR
3.7.7.3. Checks payable to the BOC
3.7.7.4. Checks for re-clearing
3.7.7.5. IQA Failed Items
3.7.8. Batch size in an ICL File shall be limited to 100 items or less
3.7.9. The front and rear images of the Check and the MICR code line data are captured
within groupings referred to as batches.
3.7.10. At the point of Check processing and scanning of the rear of each document, the
Presenting Bank’s capture device will print an endorsement line i.e. Unique
Identification Code (UIC). Such info shall also be included in the electronic Check data
to be transmitted to the CICS.
3.7.11. The Front-end system of the Presenting Bank shall perform the Image Quality
Assurance (IQA) Tests to all the captured images in order to assure its usability.
3.7.12. All outward batches presented to the CICS are balanced. The MICR Code line
correction must have been carried out to ensure that all MICR data are present and
amount entry made to assign an amount electronically to each Check. Any correction
done on the pre-qualified MICR Code Line must be tagged to caution the Drawee
Bank.
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3.7.13. Once balanced, batches are converted into its equivalent ICL File in accordance with
the published standard as defined in the recently released PBM Technical
Specifications prior to their transmission/ submission to the CICS. A batch can contain
a maximum of 100 items.
3.7.14. The Presenting Bank Front-end solution must observe the rules for the generation
of ICL Files, i.e. ICL File can contain multiple batches at a maximum of 200 items.
3.7.15. The Front-end system will submit the generated outward ICL File to the Participant
Bank Module (PBM) embedded within its own system for preliminary validation and
transmission.
3.8. Frequency of Submission
It is recommended that Member/Participant Banks submit ICL Files to the CICS every so often
in order not to clog the lines particularly in the last hour before cut-off.
3.9. Alternative Delivery Media
For contingency, the files in the PBM that fail to be transmitted to CICS can be copied to an
alternative media such as a CD, USB or any type of removable disks. Files delivered by a bank to
PCHC thru the use of storage media for uploading shall be accepted subject to the same
acceptance criteria as those for files received via a communications link. This contingency
procedure requires previous confirmed notification with PCHC and similarly subject to the
usual 4:30 PM cut-off.
3.10. Image Cash Letter (ICL) Files accepted by the CICS
ICL Files received at the CICS will be initially validated by the Clearing House Module (CHM), an
equivalent version of the PBM at the PCHC’s back-end. Each ICL File will have its digital
signature validated and decrypted if valid. This module will carry out structure and content
validation and continue to accept and process when there is no exception. Accepted files are
passed to the CICS where they are converted into inward ICL files for distribution to the
Drawee Banks. When CICS accepts an outward ICL File, an acknowledgement file is
automatically generated and sent to the originating PBM.
If the Primary PBM of the Drawee Bank is unavailable to receive Inward files, the Drawee Bank
shall use the bank’s Secondary PBM upon request for reconfiguration.
Outward Return ICLs and Inward Return ICLs are similarly handled as described above.
3.11. Item/s not Accepted by the CICS
If an item fails validation at the Presenting Bank’s PBM for any reason, that item will be rejected
but remaining valid items will continue to be processed. The acknowledgment file generated
will include the details of the rejected items and the reason for rejection thus the need for the
Presenting Bank to verify the acknowledgment message. If an item fails validation at the
Drawee Bank’s PBM, it
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will be automatically returned to the Presenting Bank, i.e. Duplicate Item detected by PBM. If all
items are rejected, the ICL File will not be accepted.
3.12. Balancing and Reconciliation
Member/Participant Banks should document the process flow and ensure establishment of
control mechanisms. Special care and adequate quality controls should be in place during
rescanning and re-clearing of Checks. The banks must have internal control reports at the end
of each Regular/ Returns Presentment window to effectively reconcile the presentation made
against the total credit in the clearing result for the day. Similar control should also be
observed in validating inward transactions received against the total debit. Reports showing
the Total (count and values) Outward and Inward Clearing transactions are available at the
PCHC web portal for reference. In case of discrepancy, the same should be resolved
immediately. CICS Rules and Regulations as well as CICS Operating Memos provide mechanism
to settle clearing discrepancy if needed. The service branches of the banks following
distributed-outward model should refer to the branch clearing control reports for verification
of actual credit received from PCHC.
SEC. 4 – PROCESSING AT THE PARTICIPATING BANKS MODULE: OUTWARD
4.1. Participating Bank Module (PBM)
The CICS PBM server provides ICL Files validation and provides an interface for sending
and receiving ICL Files from and to the CICS.
4.2. Checking of Duplicate ICL
Any duplicate ICL File that is detected by PBM will be rejected in its entirety. An ICL File is
considered a duplicate if the filename of the ICL File matches that of a previously
processed ICL File.
In case of item duplication however, only the duplicate item/s detected during CICS
processing will be rejected. The rest of the items in the ICL File will be accepted and
processed.
4.3. Receiving Outward Presentment
The PBM will receive the duly balanced Outward clearing files containing Check image and
electronic data from the Front-end system of the bank and will perform the required
validations of the files prior to transmission to the CICS.
4.4. Image Quality Assurance and Failure Handling
All images of the items in the Outward ICL Files are subjected to Image Quality Assurance
(IQA) by the Presenting Bank PBM. Any image failing validation will result in the rejection
of the item with the reject details included in the acknowledgement file. The bank may
rescan and resubmit as many times as necessary to meet the IQA requirements.
4.5. Item Processing
The Outward Files presented by the capture system are validated by the PBM against the
validations indicated in the PBM Specifications. After validation, the
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PBM generates acknowledgement files which contain information related to acceptance or
rejection of each file and the items present in each file with appropriate reason codes.
4.6. Reconciliation of Outward presentation
At the end of each Presentment Session (Regular and Return) at the PCHC, it shall be the
responsibility of the Sending Bank to reconcile its total outward transactions vs. items
processed by the CICS as listed in the web portal.
4.7. Dishonored Checks/Re-clearing
The Presenting Bank safe-keeps all original paid Checks for 180 days from Payment Date. In
case of return or dishonor, the Presenting Bank shall return the original unpaid Check to its
client. A Return Check Advice (RCA) bearing images of the Check shall support the
returned Check. However, when a clearing item is returned by the Drawee Bank for the
reason that it is found to be a Duplicate or is deemed a Counterfeit, the Presenting Bank
shall issue a RCA to the client but shall turn over the custody of the unpaid Check to the
Drawee Bank in accordance with the procedure to be prescribed by PCHC.
4.7.1. The Presenting Bank shall, as presently being practiced, affix a Return Stamp (format
below) on the dishonored Check before it is released to the client.
REASON FOR RETURN | INITIAL | DATE
____________________|____________|_______________
(1st return) 1. __________________|____________|_______________
(2nd return) 2. __________________|____________|_______________
4.7.2. When the dishonored Check is re-deposited, a 2nd presentment stamp shall be
affixed by the Presenting Bank at the dorsal side of the Check before it is captured and
stored for safe-keeping. A second line UIC will either be printed on Check’s dorsal
portion or electronically imposed by the Presenting Bank’s Front-end system on the
dorsal image of the Check.
SEC. 5 – PROCESSING AT PARTICIPATING BANK MODULE: INWARD
5.1. Receipt of Inward Data/Images
The inward processing deals with accepting data and images of Incoming Items from the
CICS for onward push to the Drawee Bank’s PBM. The process also includes providing data
in the form of files for use within the Drawee Bank’s in-clearing system. The Drawee Bank’s
PBM will receive digitally signed inward electronic data and image exchange files from the
CICS in the form of ICL.
5.2. Validation
The Primary PBM of the Drawee Bank shall authenticate and load the exchange file data
into the system. The PBM will send an acknowledgement exchange file to the CICS if the
inward electronic data and image exchange files are accepted.
5.3. Balancing and Reconciliation
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The Drawee Bank should verify that all the items in the Inward ICL Files are received to
ensure that there is no data loss in the transmission from the CICS to its PBM. The Drawee
Bank will not be able to generate posting files unless all the inward items are actually
received at the Primary PBM. If any file is lost in transmission, the Drawee Bank may request
PCHC for retransmission of images/data of the lost/missing file.
5.4. Generation of Posting File (Magtape Transaction File)
With the decommissioning of ECCS, banks may either use the inward ICL Files in uploading
data into their CASA or make use of the Magtape Transaction File (MTF) generated at the
PBM. MTF generated from CICS has the same file structure with the previously ECCS-
generated file except that it is bank-level and unfiltered (regular and return transactions
are merged).
5.5. Digital Certificate Validation
PBM of the Drawee Bank shall verify the digital certificate of PCHC.
5.6. Payment Processing
The Drawee Bank shall do the payment processing based on the image and electronic data
of the Checks following all the prudent practices including signature verification, account
balance verification, and electronic payment information examination.
5.7. Dishonored Checks
Items that are not honored must be returned to the CICS in electronic format within the
prescribed period as set by PCHC and announced to the banks (Prescribed Period). For
return items, the images are also included in the return ICL File (front and rear CCITT, front
JPEG, and for high-value items, the UV image).
Return items are to be marked with the appropriate return reason (code) as mentioned in
the CICS Rules and Regulations Section 18. Return Image Cash Letters (ICLs) are to be
transmitted to the CICS via the Drawee Bank’s PBM where the files will be validated,
encrypted and digitally signed and sent to the CICS provided they meet the necessary
validation criteria. Invalid items will be rejected by the Drawee Bank’s PBM for its
correction.
Return ICLs received by the CICS will be validated and an acknowledgment shall be issued
to the generating Drawee Bank indicating their acceptance or rejection. Return items
accepted by the CICS will be passed to the Presenting Bank‘s Primary PBM in an Inward
Return ICL and an appropriate posting made to the settlement system.
Any return item not received by the CICS within the Prescribed Period will be treated as an
honored item and accordingly the settlement files will be prepared and posted.
SEC. 6 – SPECIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRONIC EXCHANGE OF CHEQUES
The following section describes the types of Image Cash Letter (ICL) Files.
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All items in an ICL File must be of the same type: outward items; return items; or archive-only items. Items in an ICL File must not be co-mingled.
ICL File must contain items of the same currency: Philippine Pesos or U.S. Dollars (when local US Dollar Clearing becomes available).
In addition, the items within the ICL File must have valid work types for the type of ICL. The valid items within an ICL File are:
ICL Type Currency Item Work Types Allowed
Regular or Return | Philippine Peso | CICS (Normal, BIR or BOC),
| | Non-CICS (Normal, BIR or BOC),
________________|_______________|__IQA Fail Items________________
Archive-Only | Philippine Peso | CICS (Normal),
| | Non-CICS (Normal),
| | IQA Fail Items
Note 1: Normal indicates Checks that are not BIR or BOC.
Note 2: Archive-Only batches are batches containing On-us items sent in an ICL File for archive only; they are not distributed to other banks, so are not returned, and are not included in settlement totals.
6.1. Regular ICLs
Each Outward ICL File that is accepted by the CICS is assigned a settlement session, date
and window by the CICS. The settlement window is always set to ‘Forward’. The settlement
session is set to 1 and the settlement date is set as follows:
6.1.1. ICL Files received before the cut-off time of the Regular Presentment Session
(4:30 PM of Day 1) will be processed for settlement within Day 1 (i.e., included in
the 4:30 PM Netting Summary to be sent to BSP for Settlement on Day 1).
6.1.2. ICL Files received after the cut-off time of the Regular Presentment Session (4:30
PM of Day 1) will be processed for settlement on the Next Clearing Day (These
Inward ICLs, which shall be pushed to the Drawee Bank PBM on Day 1, shall bear
the Regular Presentment Session date of the Next Clearing Day and they shall not
be included in the 4:30 PM Netting Summary of Day 1 to be sent to BSP).
Each item in an Outward ICL File is assigned a Return Presentment Cut-off. This is
used by the CICS to validate and accept returns only if they are received prior to
the cut-off time for the corresponding settlement date.
6.2. Return ICLs
Each Outward Return ICL File that is accepted by the CICS is processed for
settlement as follows:
6.2.1. Return ICL Files received before the cut-off time of the Regular Presentment
Session (4:30 PM of Day 1) will be processed for settlement within Day 1.
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They shall have zero effect and thus have no impact on the 4:30 PM Netting
Summary of Day 1 to be sent to BSP for Settlement;
6.2.2. Return ICL Files received after the cut-off time of the Regular Presentment
Session (4:30 PM of Day 1) but before the Returns Presentment Cut-off Time
(or the AM Return Cut-off of 8:00 AM of the Next Clearing Day) on the Next
Clearing Day will be processed with settlement back valued Day 1.
Each item in a Return ICL File is validated by the CICS to ensure that it is
received prior to the cut-off time pertaining to the presented Regular Item.
6.3. Archive Only ICLs
Member/Participant Banks may submit to PCHC On-us checks/ICLs for Archive-Only. PCHC
will issue separate operating memo for this service.
6.4. Additional Work Type for all ICL Types
The additional Work Type 7 provides means for exception items failing the IQA test for all
ICL types like foreign drafts and rejected BIR payments to be processed and pass through
the workflow of CICS thus giving the paying bank an opportunity to exercise Pay or No Pay
decision.
Sec. 7 – Return Reason Codes
A Return Item may or may not be eligible for re-clearing, depending on the Return Reason, as indicated in the table below:
Return Description Tran Code Re-clearing
Reason R=Allowed
Code N=Not Allowed
1 Drawn against insufficient funds 14 R
2 Drawn against uncollected deposit 14 R
3 Drawn against a closed account 24 N
4 Account is non-existent 24 N
5 Payment thereof has been stopped - Funded 14 N
6 Payment thereof has been stopped-Unfunded 14 N
7 Invalid Image Hash Value 24 R
8 Post-dated check 24 R
9 Stale-dated check 24 N
A Out-of-date 24 N
B Counterfeit check 24 N
C 3rd presentment and subsequent dishonor 24 N
D Amount in words and in figures differs 24 N
E Documentary Stamp Missing (for foreign checks converted
to Peso) 24 R
F Account under garnishment or covered by Hold/Freeze/
Conservatorship/Receivership Order 24 R
G Validity Restricted 24 N
H Deceased Depositor 24 N
I Previously Negotiated Check/Cancelled Check 24 N
J Bank has declared a self-imposed holiday 24 R
K Fortuitous Event/Civil Disturbance/Bank Strike 24 R
L Refer to Drawer/Issuer: Merged bank/Conduit Agreement
Terminated 24 N
M Untagged BIR/BOC Check 24 R
N Miscleared 24 R
O No Advice on File 24 R
P Differs from Advice (Payee, Date, Serial Number or Amount) 24 R
Q Mismatched Image and Data 24 R
R Refer to Issuer: Old Format Check 24 N
S Duplicate Check Detected by PBM 24 N
T Image Usability Failure 24 R
U Piggy Back Image 24 R
V With Alteration-date 24 N
W With Alteration-payee 24 N
X With Alteration-amount in figures 24 N
Y With Alteration-amount in words 24 N
Z With Alteration-signature 24 N
a With Alteration-account name 24 N
b With Alteration-account number 24 N
c With Alteration-check number 24 N
d With Alteration-pre-qualified MICR characters 24 N
e Missing Date 24 R
f Missing Payee 24 R
g No Amount in Figures 24 R
h No Amount in Words 24 R
i Missing Signature of Drawer 24 R
j Lack of Signature (Number of signatures required) 24 R
k Bears forged signature of the drawer (s) 24 N
l Unauthorized drawer’s signature 24 N
m Signature differs 24 N
n Exceeds authority limit 14 N
o DAIF/DAUD-1 Thousand Pesos and below 24 R
p Payment Stopped-funded-1 Thousand Pesos and below 24 N
q Payment Stopped-unfunded-1 Thousand Pesos and below 24 N
r Amount in Words and Figures differ-1 Thousand Pesos and
below 24 N
s Other Technicalities-1 Thousand Pesos and below 24 N
t Per Instruction of BSP 24 R
u Indicated Payee Company or Person includes a combined "Pay To Cash" option, i.e. Payee Name/Cash,
Payee Name or Cash 24 N
v Deleted
w Deleted
x Re-clearing of a Check by a bank other than the original
presenting bank 24 N
y Penalty Charges Waived/Cancelled 24 R
z Wrong Account Number 24 N
Revisions in Section 7 (Return Reason Code) of this Operating Memo shall require
corresponding updates to the PBM Specs to be deployed to servers.
2. Should you need further clarification, feel free to call our Service Help Desk at 8523-0315 (look
for Erick Garcia or Hector Lasaleta) or 8886-1344 to 47 (look for Anthony Manongas).
3. This memo supersedes CICS OM No. 17-018 dated August 15, 2017.